Gatens makes impact in freshman year at Iowa

Matt Gatens has quickly adjusted to the college level. the Iowa freshman is averaging just under 11 points per game for the Hawkeyes and has started all 17 games in his first season.

Iowa coach Todd Lickliter says Gatens is strong and fairly athletic and skilled. He says he thought Gatens would have an impact, but they need to see if they can create more shooting opportunities for him.

Gatens is shooting better than 51 percent from the field and over 54 percent from behind three point range. Lickliter says people didn’t see that in high school as Gatens took the ball to the rim more. Lickliter says it’s great to be able to keep a local player at Iowa. The Hawkeyes are 11-6 and return to action Sunday at Purdue.